Law & Order

Turn 5
Season 1
Lap 6

“Collins' Lawyer Announces Defense Plan”

By Lug Turner
Locust Grove Sunday Democrat
Monday, July 10, 2006

PEGGS- Attorney C. William Crook announced his plan to acquit race car driver Mike Collins of five different charges relating to an incident at Salina Highbanks Speedway Friday night.

Crook says Oklahoma Highway Patrolman Roger Starling unfairly targeted Collins in a sting operation based upon Collins’ success as a race car driver. Both Starling and Collins are regular competitors in the race track’s economy modified division.

Collins is charged with speeding, reckless driving, evading an officer, resisting arrest, and littering. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 90 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

“These charges are just outrageous,” Crook said at a press conference in front of Collins’ garage. “We plan to fight this thing all the way, and I won’t rest until my client is cleared of all charges.”

Crook went on to explain the basis for his “unfair targeting” defense.

“My client is a very successful driver in the E-Mod division. He is the current points leader at Salina. That must anger Trooper Starling,” Crook said.

“Mr. Collins is also known as ‘the ol’ outlaw’ to some racing fans. It is our opinion that this nickname made him a target of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. We intend to prove, in court, that the ‘outlaw’ nickname has nothing to do with Mr. Collins’ respect for state and federal laws. He’s not really an outlaw,” Crook said.

“If you ask me, it seems kind of fishy that the Trooper [Starling] would arrest the top four finishers of a feature race in which [Starling] also competed. I think he is just upset that their cars were faster,” Crook noted.

Starling ticketed three other economy modified drivers on Friday, July 7. Winner Jeremy Ross, runner up Mike Northrup, and fourth place driver Travis Montgomery were also ticked. According to Starling, the citations were all part of his, “clean up the dirt” campaign at the high-banked race track.

Collins declined to comment on the situation. For now, he is letting his lawyer do the talking. Starling remained optimistic about future arrests in Salina.

“Lots of guys drive way too fast in that area all the time. And I heard that one of the drivers is on steroids. That’s got to be illegal. I’m committed to cleaning up the trash,” Starling said.

Collins, who is free on bond, and Starling are both expected to compete in next Friday’s evening of racing at Salina. The futures of Ross, Northrup, and Montgomery are unknown at this time.

Stay with the LG Sunday Democrat as the story develops…

Photo Credit: bigmaceo of the Locust Grove Sunday Democrat (taken Friday, July 7, 2006)